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Friday, November 25, 2011

Kersten Hamilton Author Blog Post and Giveaway!

My best Christmas memory from when I was a child happened when I was six years old. My family was homeless and someone was letting us stay in their basement. The family we were staying with had a huge Christmas tree, with piles of presents under it, decorated with candy canes and ornaments—we could see the tree, but none of the presents were for us. My baby brother got in trouble for sneaking in and eating a candy cane off of the tree. We were thankful for the basement—it was December in Alaska, after all. But it was hard. We barely had money for food and necessities, and no money for presents or candy.

The day before Christmas, my mother took us all with her to the laundromat to do our laundry. The last load was drying when I walked down the rows of machines—and saw a fresh, new $50 bill on the floor. It hadn’t been there two minutes before. There were only three other people in the laundromat. No one had come in or gone out. I am sure now that one of those three dropped that bill for me to find, probably the scary–looking man who growled “If you found it, it’s yours, isn’t it” and frightened me so much I ran back to my mother.

Whoever dropped that money didn’t just change our Christmas—they changed me. When I had children of my own, we made it a tradition to look around to find someone who needs a blessing at Christmas time. One year it might be the child of someone in prison who can’t give them a present, the next neighbor kids whose parents are out of work. There are only two rules—buy the best gift you can afford—one you would be proud to give to the person you love the most—and it must always be a secret where it came from.

I’d like to ask your readers to join in the fun. Change Christmas for someone this year. Keep it secret. Pass it on.

Thank you for letting me tell people about this on your blog today, Melissa!

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Such a beautiful story! Oh I so agree with you Kersten. Plus there are so many ways to give at anytime of the year. Even if it is just a smile to brighten someone's day. Oh and I think Kersten is about to brighten someone's holiday! Because...

Giveaway!

Kersten is giving away a HB copy of In the Forests of the Night! Oh and guess what??? It's INTERNATIONAL! I bet that made a few of you smile today. ;) Just fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter. Easy!

The battle against goblinkind continues . . . but which side will Teagan be on?

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man’s forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends. Tea knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich. And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

What a great memory. I know when I was younger, one year I didn't get anything for Christmas. I know how hard that can be on a child. I think it wonderful to help someone else out.twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Oh Kersten! Having experienced homelessness as a child myself your story put tears in my eyes. It was often the kindness of people we didn't know that made sure we had enough to eat. Thanks for reminding me that even though this year has been tough there is always someone who might find a kindness tht seems small to us to be very big to them.

...And on a side note I bought Tyger, Tyger "for me" but my 12-year-old "borrowed" it and loved it! Hopefully I can get it read soon too so I can stop shushing him from spoiling it for me. lol

That was a wonderful story, it was so touching. I was never homeless, but we didn't have much money. I can remember a day when my mother was worrying about how to buy school clothes for us and I found a $20 on the ground as we were walking home. That was such a relief for my mom and I learned just how much difference a small amount can make to someone who doesn't have much.

Debbie-- It really does change your perspective on things, doesn't it? But wouldn't give up one bit of my childhood. It's very good for my ficiton writing. :)

Rain -- I love the giving tree. I've seen them in malls as well as churches. They let people who don't know anyone in need connect with those who do. And, it *is* fun to shop for little ones....

Rhianna-- isn't it weird how things that are so hard to go through as a child make us emotionally richer as adults? It's like a gift of Second Sight. We can see things others may not be able to see. I think you are going relate to Finn...

One year, when we were blessed to have plenty of money to spare [not the norm, believe me]- there was a young father we knew with two lovely little girls and not a penny to spare for Christmas. So we went to WallyWorld, bought the girls Disney sleeping bags, a Super NES, and taped money to the bags to buy Christmas candy & such. We sent it anonymously from Santa.

THAT was the best Christmas in my entire life - to be able to share and bring joy where non was expected taught me a lot about the spirit of giving. My only lament is that I wish I could do it every year! :)

It is so easy to only think about your family and friends at Christmas time or just may some small gesture but it really takes a good person to not only think of others but to go to a lot of trouble o help someone.

wow! I love the idea. It's like being a secret santa. I defenitely do it this Christmas. And If I won this giveaway I plan too give it directly to a friend who love to read as much as I do. Thanks so much for this lovely giveaway & for sharing your Christmas story.